Summer Shoes: Paraboot Barth
First of all, I hope all of you have had a great summer. Once more, I’ve spend my summer in Denmark and Sweden with my family - my girlfriend and our two children. I initially planned to do a post on what I wore most this summer, but it really didn’t differ that much from what I wore last summer, which I wrote about a year ago. That post can be accessed in the archive as well as below.
So instead of repeating myself, here are some thoughts on the shoes that probably got the most wear this summer: My Paraboot Barth Deck/Boat Shoes.
Readers are most likely familiar with what a boat (or deck) shoe is, but a rough definition is a laced moccasin-like shoe in leather or canvas on top of a patterned rubber sole designed to ensure grip in wet conditions (on the deck of a boat). This makes the Paraboot Barth, or any boat/deck shoes for that matter, another example of garments or shoes made to be functional in a specific context, but now used outside of this context as well. This is by no means unique, for instance classic menswear draws heavily upon designs from the armed forces - think trenchcoats, duffelcoats and vintage M-65 jackets. But also, more contemporary, a lot of outdoor clothing and footwear has been brought into new contexts.
Anyway, back to the shoes. Why did they get so much wear this summer? First of all, I find they work with both jeans and shorts and with or without socks. I rarely wear dress trousers during the summer holiday, unless there is a special event, and resort most to shorts and jeans. This is mainly for practical reasons, as summer with children requires garments that can take a beating and be washed, and also clothes that fits the higher temperatures. I actually do like to wear shorts during summer and when it is appropriate, but I know that there are some in the menswear community that think that shorts should be reserved for young boys. Very well. I find that boat/deck shoes work with both shorts and jeans, and could also well work with a pair of cusual cotton trousers and perhaps linen trousers.
The relatively simple construction of the boat/deck shoe is perhaps one af the reasons why I find it so appropriate for summer wear. It’s simply relaxed and easy to slip on and off. The construction of the Paraboot Barth is indeed classic and simple, but both leather and particularly the rubber sole is quite hardwearing (again, great with kids). They can take a beating. And changing weather. There are also the cultural associations to the likes of Ivy and Old Money that, but going down that road probably requires an entire post dedicated to the subject.
Second, the snob in me (there, I’ve said it) likes the deck/boat shoe for not being a sneaker/trainer. This is the style of footwear, besides sandals, I see most men wear during summer. Trainers are great, but I do like something a little different. This is not me wearing a patent leather loafer with shorts to make a statement, this is instead another attempt at the subtle elegance. And that makes me feel at ease - just like a summer holiday should.
A few technical words on the Paraboot Barth: In terms of sizing, I find they run a bit large. I wear a size 7 and normally wear EU 41/UK 7 in dress shoes. Ideally, I would perhaps have sized down, but in terms of wear I don’t consider it an big issue in a casual shoe like this. In terms of construction, I find the quality quite good. The Barth is not the most expensive or complicated of Paraboot shoes, but quality of construction and materials seems okay and as mentioned earlier the sole is quite hard-wearing. I have had this pair for a little more than two years now, and besides small peples the soles carry only minor sign of wear.
Finally, I care and maintain these shoes just like the rest of my leather shoes: Dust dirt of when worn, shoe tree in, clean and shoe cream when necessary. So far the shoes have gotten softer and more beautiful with wear and care. However, I did make a small mistake when I used a dark brown shoe cream to freshen up the shoes. The dark brown cream (Saphir #05) was a couple of shades darker than expected. I suspect that a lighter brown cream, perhaps in a tan or cognac shade would have been better, but I had none of those at hand. Too bad. But it will wear off with time and wear and then the shoes can get another polish.
